U.S. patent application number 13/551490 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for pullover garment hanger assembly having handle with flexible tip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aria Enterprises, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is David Randall Knaub, Mehdi Mojtabavi. Invention is credited to David Randall Knaub, Mehdi Mojtabavi.
Application Number | 20130181016 13/551490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48779293 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130181016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mojtabavi; Mehdi ; et
al. |
July 18, 2013 |
PULLOVER GARMENT HANGER ASSEMBLY HAVING HANDLE WITH FLEXIBLE
TIP
Abstract
A hanger assembly allows a user to hang a pullover garment from
its top and remove the pullover garment quickly and easily without
damaging it. The hanger assembly includes a handle to which is
joined an elongated flexible holder. The handle has a hook portion
including a flexible tip and a holder carrier portion including
first and second opposed coupling members. The flexible holder is
operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the first and
second coupling members to allow the flexible holder to transition
between a lengthwise compressed state and a partly relaxed state to
hang the garment and between the partly relaxed state and a
break-free state to remove the garment without stretching its neck
opening. The flexible tip prevents the hanger assembly from jumping
off a hanger rod as the user pulls down on the pullover garment to
remove it.
Inventors: |
Mojtabavi; Mehdi; (Portland,
OR) ; Knaub; David Randall; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mojtabavi; Mehdi
Knaub; David Randall |
Portland
Portland |
OR
OR |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aria Enterprises, Inc.
Portland
OR
|
Family ID: |
48779293 |
Appl. No.: |
13/551490 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61509058 |
Jul 18, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/32 20130101;
A47G 25/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/32 20060101
A47G025/32 |
Claims
1. A hanger assembly for hanging a pullover garment from its top,
the pullover garment having a neck opening, an interior, and a
shoulder line profile, comprising: a handle including a holder
carrier portion and a hook portion, the holder carrier portion
including first and second rigid support arms having distal ends at
which are formed respective first and second opposed coupling
members, and the hook portion positioned medially between the first
and second coupling members and having a distal end on which is
provided a flexible tip to prevent the hanger assembly from jumping
off a hanger rod as a user pulls down on the pullover garment to
remove it from the hanger assembly; and an elongated flexible
holder that, when joined with the handle to form the hanger
assembly, is operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the
first and second coupling members, the flexible holder having
holder ends and a lengthwise profile, a cross-sectional profile,
and a length, the lengthwise profile configured to define a bow
shape in a rest state, the cross-sectional profile configured to
achieve, in response to a holder compressive applied force, bending
of the flexible holder in a lengthwise compressed state and thereby
bring closer together the holder ends to enable insertion of the
holder ends through the neck opening to the interior of the
pullover garment, and in response to a garment removal applied
force, buckle-free bending of the flexible holder in a lengthwise
break-free state and thereby bring closer together the holder ends
to enable removal of the holder ends through the neck opening from
the interior of the pullover garment, and the length selected to
achieve, in response to removal of the holder compressive applied
force and a consequent relaxation of the flexible holder from the
compressed state to a partly relaxed state, a spreading apart of
the holder ends to allow the flexible holder to span beyond each of
the first and second coupling members a distance that enables the
pullover garment to hang on the flexible holder, with the flexible
holder following the shoulder line profile of the pullover
garment.
2. A handle of a hanger assembly for hanging a pullover garment
from its top, comprising: a holder carrier portion including first
and second support arms having distal ends at which are formed
respective first and second opposed coupling members, the first and
second opposed coupling members configured to operationally couple
to the handle a flexible holder for slidable engagement therewith
and to allow the flexible holder to transition between a lengthwise
compressed state and a partly relaxed state, the first and second
support arms including respective first and second rigid arc
sections that establish a curved shape for the holder carrier
portion; and a hook portion positioned medially between the first
and second coupling members and having a distal end on which is
provided a flexible tip to prevent the hanger assembly from jumping
off a hanger rod as a user pulls down on the pullover garment to
remove it from the hanger assembly.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/509,058, filed Jul. 18, 2011.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] Aria Enterprises, Inc. A portion of the disclosure of this
patent document contains material that is subject to copyright
protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever. 37 CFR .sctn.1.71(d).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to an upper body garment
hanging apparatus, and more particularly to a hanger assembly for
hanging a pullover garment from its top.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0004] Pullover garments such as T-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts,
polo shirts, rugby shirts, henley shirts, and sleeveless shirts
(e.g., tank tops) are well-known. For example, T-shirts--which are
relatively comfortable, simple, light, and affordable --are very
popular, especially among young people.
[0005] One way to keep pullover garments in shape without
substantial wrinkling when they are not worn is to store them on
hangers. However, currently available hangers are not generally
well-designed for pullover garments. The specific shape and rigid
structure of known hangers often leave users frustrated when they
want to hang pullover garments from the top. For example, to avoid
substantial stretching of, and consequent damage to, the neck
opening, a user will often insert a hanger through the bottom
opening of the pullover garment and maneuver the hanger into
position, which routine is time and energy consuming. Moreover, the
user risks damaging the pullover garment when the hanger is
inserted through the bottom opening. When the user wishes to remove
the pullover garment from the hanger, the user must either remove
the hanger through the neck opening and risk substantial stretching
thereof or maneuver the hanger out the bottom opening.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Preferred embodiments of a hanger assembly allow a user to
hang and remove a pullover garment quickly and easily without
damaging it. According to one embodiment, the hanger assembly for
hanging a pullover garment from its top includes a handle to which
is joined an elongated flexible holder.
[0007] The handle has a holder carrier portion and an hook portion.
The holder carrier portion includes first and second support arms
having distal ends at which are formed respective first and second
opposed coupling members. The hook portion is positioned medially
between the first and second coupling members.
[0008] The elongated flexible holder, when joined with the handle
to form the hanger assembly, is operationally coupled for slidable
engagement with the first and second coupling members. The flexible
holder has holder ends and a lengthwise profile, a cross-sectional
profile, and a length. The lengthwise profile is configured to
define a bow shape in a rest state. The cross-sectional profile is
configured to achieve, in response to a holder compressive applied
force, bending of the flexible holder in a lengthwise compressed
state and thereby bring closer together the holder ends to enable
insertion of the holder ends through the neck opening to the
interior of the pullover garment, and, in response to a garment
removal applied force, buckle-free bending of the flexible holder
in a lengthwise break-free state and thereby bringing closer
together the holder ends to enable removal of the holder ends
through the neck opening from the interior of the pullover garment.
The length of the flexible holder is selected to achieve, in
response to removal of the holder compressive applied force and a
consequent relaxation of the flexible holder from the compressed
state to a partly relaxed state, a spreading apart of the holder
ends to allow the flexible holder to span beyond each of the first
and second coupling members a distance that enables the pullover
garment to hang on the flexible holder, with the flexible holder
following the shoulder line profile of the pullover garment.
[0009] Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which
proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanger assembly composed
of a handle and flexible holder according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the handle of the hanger
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the hanger assembly of FIG.
1 shown in a rotated orientation with magnified views of two
opposed coupling members at the distal ends of the handle to
illustrate the complementary shapes of the coupling member
apertures and the flexible holder received by them.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hanger assembly of FIG.
1, with its handle and a flexible holder disassembled.
[0014] FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 are frontal views of various
alternative embodiments of the handle of the hanger assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 8A is a sectional view of the flexible holder taken
along lines 8A-8A of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 8B is a sectional view of an alternative flexible
holder, in which the flexible holder of FIG. 8A is modified to
include two spaced-apart metal wires running along its length and
within its interior.
[0017] FIGS. 8C and 8D are cross-sectional views of alternative
flexible holders that are formed of stamped spring steel,
respectively, with and without hemmed edges.
[0018] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show, for the hanger assembly of FIG.
1, the flexible holder embodied in, respectively, uniform,
nonuniform inwardly tapered, and nonuniform outwardly tapered
longitudinal cross-sectional profiles.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hanger assembly of FIG.
1 held in a user's hand and preparatory to the user applying an
upwardly directed compressive force to the flexible holder.
[0020] FIG. 11A is a frontal view of the hanger assembly of FIG. 1
before a T-shirt has been placed on the hanger assembly.
[0021] FIG. 11B is a frontal view of the hanger assembly of FIG. 1
with the flexible holder urged to a lengthwise compressed state for
insertion into the interior of a pullover garment when the user
squeezes his hand around the handle and the flexible holder to
apply a compressive force to the flexible holder to bend it.
[0022] FIG. 11C is a frontal view of the hanger assembly of FIG. 1
inserted in the interior of a T-shirt, with the T-shirt resting on
the flexible holder in a partly relaxed state.
[0023] FIG. 11D is a frontal view of the hanger assembly and
T-shirt of FIG. 11C showing a user applying to the T-shirt a
downwardly directed force to pull the garment off the flexible
holder and thereby remove the T-shirt from the hanger assembly.
[0024] FIG. 11E is a frontal view of the hanger assembly of FIG. 1
after the T-shirt of FIG. 11D has been removed from the hanger
assembly.
[0025] FIG. 12 shows, for the hanger assembly of FIG. 11B, the
bending of the flexible holder and the complementary shapes of the
coupling member apertures and the flexible holder in the lengthwise
compressed state.
[0026] FIG. 13 shows, for the hanger assembly of FIG. 11D, the
break-away bending collapse and the complementary shapes of the
coupling member apertures and the flexible holder in the break-free
state.
[0027] FIG. 14 shows enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional views of
the hanger assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating its flexible holder
with solid lines in the partly relaxed state of FIGS. 11A and 11B,
with phantom lines in the longitudinal compressed state of FIGS.
11B and 12, and with phantom lines in the break-free state of FIGS.
11D and 13.
[0028] FIGS. 15 and 16 are, respectively, side elevation and
perspective views of a hanger assembly composed of a handle and
flexible holder according to a second embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the handle of the hanger
assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0030] FIGS. 18A and 18B are, respectively, top plan and bottom
plan views of a first alternative flexible holder of the hanger
assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0031] FIG. 18C is a sectional view of the first alternative
flexible holder taken along lines 18C-18C of FIG. 18A.
[0032] FIG. 18D is a sectional view, shown with a magnified view,
of the first alternative flexible holder taken along lines 18D-18D
of FIG. 18A.
[0033] FIGS. 19A and 19B are, respectively, top plan and bottom
plan views of a second alternative flexible holder of the hanger
assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0034] FIG. 19C is a sectional view, shown with a magnified view,
of the second alternative flexible holder taken along lines 19C-19C
of FIG. 19A.
[0035] FIG. 19D is a sectional view, shown with a magnified view,
of the second alternative flexible holder taken along lines 19D-19D
of FIG. 19A.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the hanger assembly of
FIGS. 15 and 16 shown in a rotated orientation to illustrate
T-shaped hooks as coupling members received by corresponding slots
in either of the alternative flexible holders of FIGS. 18A, 18B,
and 18C and FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the hanger assembly of
FIGS. 15 and 16 with either of the alternative flexible holders
urged to the lengthwise compressed state for insertion into the
interior of a pullover garment.
[0038] FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C are side elevation views of the
disclosed hanger assembly constructed with a flexible hook tip and
shown, respectively, resting on, in process of placement on, and in
process of removal from a hanger rod.
[0039] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C are side elevation views of an
otherwise conventional hanger assembly constructed with the
disclosed flexible hook tip and shown, respectively, resting on, in
process of placement on, and in process of removal from a hanger
rod.
[0040] FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are side elevation views of the
disclosed hanger assembly constructed with an opposing restraint on
the holder carrier portion and shown, respectively, resting on, in
process of placement on, and in process of removal from a hanger
rod.
[0041] FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are side elevation views of an
otherwise conventional hanger assembly constructed with the
disclosed opposing restraint on the holder carrier portion and
shown, respectively, resting on, in process of placement on, and in
process of removal from a hanger rod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] With reference to the above-listed drawings, this section
describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction
and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by
way of illustration only and not limitation. Skilled persons will
recognize in light of the teachings herein that there is a range of
equivalents to the example embodiments described herein. Most
notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to
the embodiments described herein, and there may be equivalents to
the components, parts, or steps that make up the described
embodiments.
[0043] For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of
components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without
undue detail that would be apparent to skilled persons in light of
the teachings herein or would obfuscate an understanding of more
pertinent aspects of the embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanger assembly 10,
according to one embodiment, for hanging a pullover garment (such
as a T-shirt 12 shown in FIGS. 11B, 11C, and 11D) from its top.
Although the following disclosure refers to T-shirt 12, hanger
assembly 10 may be used with other types of pullover garments such
as sweaters, sweatshirts, polo shirts, rugby shirts, henley shirts,
and sleeveless shirts (e.g., tank tops). Hanger assembly 10
includes a handle 14 and an elongated flexible holder 16 that are
designed to allow a user to hang and remove T-shirt 12 quickly and
easily without damaging it.
[0045] Handle 14 includes a hook portion 18 and a rigid holder
carrier portion 20. Hook portion 18 may be an integral part of
holder carrier portion 20 to establish a unitary structure for
handle 14. Handle 14 may be made of any suitable material such as,
but not limited to, plastic, wood, or metal. Hook portion 18 is
positioned at and extends generally in an upward direction from a
center region 22 of holder carrier portion 20 to allow hanger
assembly 10 to suspend from a support member (not shown) such as a
closet rod. Hook portion 18 and holder carrier portion 20 are
preferably shaped to provide an aesthetically pleasing design for
handle 14. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, holder carrier
portion 20 resembles an arch having an apex from which curved hook
portion 18 outwardly grows to form a tendril-like junction between
hook portion 18 and holder carrier portion 20.
[0046] Holder carrier portion 20 includes rigid support arms 24 in
the form of arc sections that extend in opposite directions from
center region 22 and establish a curved shape for holder carrier
portion 20. Support arms 24 include at their respective distal ends
26 opposed coupling members 28 that allow flexible holder 16 to be
joined with and slide relative to handle 14. As shown in FIG. 2A,
coupling members 28 include apertures 30 that are configured to
receive and allow movement of flexible holder 16 relative to
support arms 24 to achieve operational coupling for slidable
engagement with coupling member 28. Apertures 30 are defined by a
convex segment 32 and a concave segment 34 that are opposed to each
other and interconnected by opposed convex lateral segments 36.
Alternatively, segments 32, 34, and 36 may have other shapes
including a substantially flat profile. In one example, segments
32, 34, and 36 define a closed perimeter (e.g., a contiguous ring)
for apertures 30. However, segments 32, 34, and 36 need not form a
closed perimeter for apertures 30. For example, one or more of
segments 32, 34, and 36 may include a gap (not shown) so that
segments 32, 34, and 36 do not completely surround cross-sectional
profile 38 of flexible holder 16 when it is joined to handle
14.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2B, segments 32, 34, and 36 are compatibly
shaped with a cross-sectional profile 38 (FIG. 8A) of flexible
holder 16 to accommodate transitional bending of flexible holder 16
between a lengthwise compressed state 40 (shown in FIGS. 11B, 12,
and 14) and a partly relaxed state 42 (shown in FIGS. 2B, 9A, 10,
11A, 11C, 11E, and 14). Partly relaxed state 42 as used herein
defines a state in which handle 14 and flexible holder 16 are
joined together and flexible holder 16 is not in lengthwise
compressed state 40. In other words, partly relaxed state 42
encompasses a state in which T-shirt 12 is not hanging on flexible
holder 16 (FIGS. 1, 2B, 9A, 10, 11A, 11E, and 14) and a state in
which T-shirt 12 is hanging on flexible holder 16 (FIG. 11C).
Skilled persons will recognize that a lengthwise profile 44 of
flexible holder 16 in partly relaxed state 42 will vary somewhat,
depending on whether T-shirt 12 is hanging on flexible holder
16.
[0048] Arc sections 24 define a circular segment having a segment
length 46 and a segment radius 48 as shown in FIG. 3. Segment
length 46 is selected to be shorter than a length of a semicircle
having radius 48 to thereby prevent failure of flexible holder 16
to relax from lengthwise compressed state 40 to partly relaxed
state 42 after a user removes a compressive force applied to it.
Segment length 46 is selected also to be sufficiently long to bring
rounded holder ends 50 of flexible holder 16 sufficiently close
together in lengthwise compressed state 40 for insertion into a
neck opening 52 of T-shirt 12.
[0049] Holder carrier portion 20 need not be of curved shape as
previously described. For example, FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 are frontal
views of alternative shapes of holder carrier portion 20. For each
of the alternative shapes of FIGS. 4-7, the distal ends 26 and
their corresponding coupling members 28 are positioned at a
selected distances d.sub.1 and d.sub.2 from, at a selected angles
.theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 relative to, center region 22.
Distances d.sub.1 and d.sub.2 and angles .theta..sub.1 and
.theta..sub.2 may be different or the same for different shapes.
Moreover, d.sub.1 and d.sub.2 are preferably equal in length but
may be different, and angles .theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 are
preferably the same angle but may be different. Distances d.sub.1
and d.sub.2 and angles .theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 are selected
to bring rounded holder ends 50 sufficiently close together in
lengthwise compressed state 40 for insertion into neck opening 52
of T-shirt 12. Moreover, distances d.sub.1 and d.sub.2 and angles
.theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 prevent failure of flexible holder
16 to relax from lengthwise compressed state 40 to partly relaxed
state 42 after a user releases a compressive force applied to
it.
[0050] Flexible holder 16 is made of material that is flexible and
resilient so that it yields to a lengthwise compressive force, but
relaxes back to partly relaxed state 42 after being compressed.
Moreover, flexible holder 16 is sufficiently strong to support the
weight of T-shirt 12 yet sufficiently flexible to bend slightly
downward to substantially conform to a shoulder line profile 54
(FIG. 11C) of T-shirt 12. FIG. 8A shows a first example, in which
flexible holder 16 is made of molded plastic. FIG. 8B shows a
second example, in which flexible holder 16 of FIG. 8A is modified
to include two metal wires 56, such as piano strings, molded in
plastic. FIGS. 8C and 8D show cross-sectional views of third and
fourth examples of alternative flexible holders formed of stamped
spring steel. FIG. 8C shows a flexible holder 16.sub.s1 that is
formed of stamped spring steel with hemmed edges 58 providing
smooth end surfaces, and FIG. 8D shows a flexible holder 16.sub.s2
that is formed of stamped spring steel without hemmed edges.
[0051] When it is disassembled from handle 14, flexible holder 16
assumes a rest state 60 in which the lengthwise profile 44 of
flexible holder 16 is in the form of a bow shape as shown in FIG.
3. When it is coupled with handle 14 and in partly relaxed state
42, flexible holder 16 assumes a centered position with respect to
coupling members 28. The centered position of flexible holder 16 is
established by stop members 62 that protrude from one or more of
top surface 64, bottom surface 66, and end surfaces 68 of flexible
holder 16. In one example, stop members 62 are dome or bulge
shaped. Stop members 62 are positioned to cooperate with coupling
members 28 to prevent longitudinal sliding of flexible holder 16 to
an extent that would result in its disengagement from handle 14.
Stop members 62 also help flexible holder 16 maintain its centered
position with respect to coupling members 28 as flexible holder 16
transitions between lengthwise compressed state 40 and partly
relaxed state 42. For example, stop members 62 may be positioned on
top surface 64 and located proximal to and inward from convex
segments 32 to prevent substantial longitudinal sliding of flexible
holder 16. Portions of flexible holder 16 in its centered position
constitute flexible wings 70 that are of substantially equal
lengths 72 and extend in opposite directions outwardly from
coupling members 28.
[0052] In partly relaxed state 42, lengthwise profile 44 of
flexible holder 16 assumes a curved shape that follows shoulder
line profile 54 of T-shirt 12. A length 74 of flexible holder 16 is
selected to allow its flexible wings 70 to span beyond coupling
members 28 a distance that enables T-shirt 12 to hang on flexible
holder 16 in partly relaxed state 42. For example, in partly
relaxed state 42, flexible holder 16 follows shoulder line profile
54 of T-shirt 12, and rounded holder ends 50 contact
end-of-shoulder seams 76 of T-shirt 12 to thereby prevent flexible
holder 16 from forming unsightly hanger bulges or other deformities
along shoulder line profile 54 of T-shirt 12. The distances between
end-of-shoulder seams 76 of T-shirts 12 in sizes ranging from
infant size to extra large size specify a range of typical lengths
74 of flexible holder 16.
[0053] Cross-sectional profile 38 of flexible holder 16 is
preferably of meniscus shape with rounded (i.e., soft edged) end
surfaces 68 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Cross-sectional profile 38
is configured to achieve buckle-free bending of flexible holder 16
when it is in a lengthwise break-free state 78, which is described
below with reference to FIGS. 11D and 13. In one example, flexible
holder 16 has a width 80 of about 20 millimeters (mm) and a height
82 of about 5.5 mm.
[0054] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show flexible holder 16 embodied in
three alternative longitudinal cross-sectional profiles. FIG. 9A,
which depicts flexible holder 16 assembled with handle 14, shows
flexible holder 16 having along its length 74 a uniform
longitudinal cross-sectional profile 84. FIG. 9B shows flexible
holder 16 having a nonuniform longitudinal cross-sectional profile
86, in which a center portion 88 extending between distal ends 28
of handle 14 tapers inwardly from stop members 62 and thereby
facilitates bending of flexible holder 16 in lengthwise compressed
state 40. FIG. 9C shows flexible holder 16 having a nonuniform
longitudinal cross-sectional profile 90, in which wings 70 taper
along lengths 72 in an outward direction toward holder ends 50 to
thereby provide strength for flexible holder 16 at center portion
88 and to allow wings 70 to easily flex downward when T-shirt 12 is
being removed.
[0055] Operation of hanger assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 10,
11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 12, 13, and 14, in which FIG. 10 depicts
hanger assembly 10 preparatory to a user applying an upwardly
directed compressive force to center portion 88 of flexible holder
16. FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a sequence of five operational states
of hanger assembly 10.
[0056] To insert hanger assembly 10 into an interior 94 of T-shirt
12, the user takes hanger assembly 10 in its partly relaxed state
(FIG. 11A). The user squeezes his hand around handle 14 and
flexible holder 16 and applies an upwardly directed compressive
force to center portion 88 of flexible holder 16 to transition it
from partly relaxed state 42 to lengthwise compressed state 40
(FIG. 11B). The compressive force causes flexible holder 16 to bend
upward at center portion 88 and to slide relative to coupling
members 28. FIG. 12 shows the bending of flexible holder 16 and the
complementary shapes of apertures 30 and flexible holder 16 in
lengthwise compressed state 40. In lengthwise compressed state 40,
holder ends 50 are brought closer together, as shown in FIGS. 11B
and 12, to enable insertion of them through neck opening 52 of
T-shirt 12 to its interior 94 without substantially stretching neck
opening 52.
[0057] After the user inserts holder ends 50 in interior 94 of
T-shirt 12, the user releases the compressive force to transition
flexible holder 16 from lengthwise compressed state 40 back to
partly relaxed state 42. When the user releases the compressive
force, center portion 88 of flexible holder 16 relaxes downward,
flexible holder 16 slides relative to coupling members 28, and
holder ends 50 spread apart to allow T-shirt 12 to hang on wings 70
of flexible holder 16 (FIG. 11C). As previously described, the
shape and configuration of holder carrier portion 20 prevents
flexible holder 16 from becoming stuck in lengthwise compressed
state 40 after the user releases the compressive force. The weight
of T-shirt 12 causes wings 70 to substantially conform to shoulder
line profile 54 of T-shirt 12 as it hangs.
[0058] To remove T-shirt 12 from hanger assembly 10, the user pulls
down on T-shirt 12 (e.g., applies a garment removal force) and
wings 70 bend downward (e.g., fold at regions 96 near coupling
members 28) to transition flexible holder 16 from partly relaxed
state 42 to break-free state 78. Cross-sectional profile 38
establishes a break away bending collapse of wings 70 so that,
after such collapse takes place, minimal user-applied pulling force
to T-shirt 12 is required to bring holder ends 50 closer together
to allow T-shirt 12 to slide off wings 70 through neck opening 52
(FIG. 11D). Preferably, top surface 64 of flexible holder 16 is
relatively smooth to allow T-shirt 12 to easily slide off wings 70
when the user pulls down on T-shirt 12. The break away bending
collapse occurring in break-free state 78 causes wings 70 to bend
down and rounded holder ends 50 converge toward each other by an
appreciable amount and thereby results in no appreciable stretching
of neck opening 52 when T-shirt 12 is being removed. FIG. 13 shows
the break away bending collapse and the complementary shapes of
apertures 30 and flexible holder 16 in break-free state 78. Once
T-shirt 12 is pulled off wings 70, flexible holder 16 returns to
partly relaxed state 42 (FIG. 11E).
[0059] FIG. 14 shows enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional views of
hanger assembly 10, illustrating its flexible holder 16 with solid
lines in partly relaxed state 42 of FIGS. 11A and 11B, with phantom
lines in longitudinal compressed state 40 of FIGS. 11B and 12, and
with phantom lines in break-free state 78 of FIGS. 11D and 13.
[0060] FIGS. 15 and 16 are respective side elevation and
perspective views of a hanger assembly 100 that includes a handle
114 and either one of alternative flexible holders 116.sub.1 and
116.sub.2 (collectively, flexible holders 116), according to a
second embodiment. (Flexible holder 116.sub.1 is shown in FIG. 16.)
The design, construction, and operation of hanger assemblies 10 and
100 are the same, except as otherwise described below.
Corresponding components of hanger assemblies 10 and 100 are
indicated by the same reference numerals.
[0061] Support arms 24 include at their respective distal ends 26
opposed coupling members 28 that allow flexible holder 116 to be
joined with and slide relative to handle 114. FIG. 17 shows
coupling members 28 in the form of opposed flexible T-shaped hooks
that are configured to fit within and slide along corresponding
slots 130 in flexible holder 116 and thereby allow it to move
relative to support arms 24 to achieve operational coupling for
slidable engagement with coupling members 28. Each T-shaped hook
includes a hat section 132 and a stem 134 that functions as a
living hinge that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis 136 and
is deflectable back and forth along an arc 138, i.e., inwardly and
outwardly of center region 22 of holder carrier portion 20. The
T-shaped hook is made from flexible material, such as
polypropylene, exhibiting resilience that restores the T-shaped
hook to its nominal position shown when an externally applied
bending or twisting force is removed. The T-shaped hooks can
optionally be co-molded as part of or bonded to support arms
24.
[0062] Handle 114 and flexible holder 116 are joined together by a
user aligning one of hat sections 132 with and inserting that hat
section 132 into one of slots 130 in flexible holder 116, rotating
handle 114 relative to flexible holder 116 such that its open slot
130 spatially overlaps the other, free hat section 132, and
twisting that hat section 132 90.degree. about its longitudinal
axis 136 for alignment with and insertion into the open slot
130.
[0063] Coupling members 28 secure flexible holder 116 in place with
use of T-shaped hooks fitted into two slots 130, thereby
eliminating use of stop members 62 formed on flexible holder 16 of
hanger assembly 10.
[0064] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D show various profiles of first
alternative flexible holder 116.sub.1. FIG. 18A is a top plan view
showing placement of a central longitudinal groove 150 between
slots 130. FIG. 18D shows the transverse cross-sectional profile of
flexible holder 116, including a magnified view showing the depth
of groove 150. Groove 150 provides a buckle-free bending feature
that promotes formation of an even arc as flexible holder 116.sub.1
folds inwardly in response to a user squeezing his hand around
handle 114 and flexible holder 116.sub.1 to set it in lengthwise
compressed state 40, as shown in FIGS. 11 B and 21. FIG. 18C shows
a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of flexible holder
116.sub.1; the construction of its center portion 188.sub.1 is
described below with reference to FIG. 19C.
[0065] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D show various profiles of second
alternative flexible holder 116.sub.2. FIG. 19A is a top plan view
showing placement of two longitudinal grooves 150 on either side of
the central longitudinal axis of flexible holder 116.sub.2. FIG.
19D shows the transverse cross-sectional profile of flexible holder
116.sub.2 including a magnified view showing the depths of grooves
150. Grooves 150 provide an alternative anti-buckle features as
described above with reference to flexible holder 116.sub.1. FIG.
19D shows a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of flexible holder
116.sub.2, including a magnified view of a center portion 188.sub.2
having a nonuniform longitudinal cross-sectional profile that is
thicker in the middle portion and is thinner toward rest condition
stops 190 of slots 130. The thicker middle portion provides greater
stiffness that affords an arc exhibiting an even curvature under a
sharp bending condition resulting from a user applying a point
force (e.g., one finger) to squeeze flexible holder 116.sub.2 to
insert it into the neck opening of a pullover garment, as depicted
in FIGS. 11B and 21. This profile of center portion 188.sub.2 is
also implemented in center portion 188.sub.1 (FIG. 18C).
[0066] Determining the overall thickness of center portion
188.sub.2 entails compromise of two competing objectives. A thinner
center portion 188.sub.2 facilitates less user-applied squeezing
force to bring together the ends of flexible holder 116.sub.2 to
insert them into the garment neckline. A thicker center portion
188.sub.2 provides greater holding strength to support a pullover
garment placed on hanger assembly 100. The use of two grooves 150
in flexible holder 116.sub.2 assists in balancing these two
objectives, but use of one groove in flexible holder 116.sub.1 also
assists in this balance with the added aesthetic benefit of
collinear alignment of groove 150 and slots 130.
[0067] FIGS. 20 and 21 show hanger assembly 100 in, respectively,
its partly relaxed state (FIG. 11A) and its lengthwise compressed
state (FIG. 11B). FIG. 20 shows hat sections 132 of the T-shaped
hook end positioned at rest condition stops 190 of slots 130, and
FIG. 21 shows hat sections 132 of the T-shaped hook end positioned
at maximum squeeze condition stops 192 of slots 130.
[0068] FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C show holder carrier portion 20 of
either hanger assembly 10 or hanger assembly 100 (hereinafter
hanger assembly 10) constructed with a flexible tip 200 joined at a
distal end 202 of hook portion 18. Flexible tip 200 provides a
restraint that prevents hanger assembly 10 from jumping off a
hanger rod 204 as a user pulls down on an open neck garment to
remove it, as shown in FIG. 11D. The garment removal step shown in
FIG. 11D tends to cause a spring-loaded recoil of hanger assembly
10 that results in dislodgement of hook portion 18 from hanger rod
204 as the garment is released from flexible holder 16. Flexible
tip 200 is preferably made from elastomeric material and can be
co-molded as part of a holder carrier portion 20 or joined by
bonding or other suitable technique to distal end 202 of hook
portion 18.
[0069] FIG. 22A shows hanger assembly 10 resting on hanger rod 204.
An open space 208 between a distal end 206 of flexible tip 200 and
the nearer support arm 24 is smaller than the diameter of hanger
rod 204 so that hanger assembly 10 with flexible tip 200 in its
nominal position cannot slide off of hanger rod 204 in absence of
deliberately applied force. FIG. 22B shows flexible tip 200 bending
inwardly to enlarge open space 208 in response to contact by hook
portion 18 as a user moves hanger assembly 10 in direction 210 to
place it on hanger rod 204. Similarly, FIG. 22C shows flexible tip
200 bending outwardly to enlarge open space 208 in response to
contact by hook portion 18 as a user moves hanger assembly 10 in
direction 212 to remove it from hanger rod 204. Because it is made
of resilient material, flexible tip 200 returns to its nominal
position and thereby returns open space 208 to the size described
with reference to FIG. 22A to retain hanger assembly 10 on hanger
rod 204.
[0070] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C correspond to the respective FIGS.
22A, 22B, and 22C and are presented to show that a conventional
hanger 220 with its hook portion 222 constructed with flexible tip
200 in the manner described above can prevent conventional hanger
220 from jumping off from hanger rod 204 in reaction to garment
removal.
[0071] FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C show holder carrier portion 20 of
either hanger assembly 10 or hanger assembly 100 (hereinafter
hanger assembly 10) constructed with an opposing restraint 230 on a
proximally located support arm 24 of holder carrier portion 20. The
thicknesses of opposing restraint 230 and hook portion 18 are
selected so that they cooperate to provide sufficient stiffness to
prevent hanger assembly 10 from jumping off hanger rod 204 in
reaction to garment removal, as described in connection with
flexible tip 200.
[0072] FIG. 24A shows hanger assembly 10 resting on hanger rod 204.
An open space 232 between a distal end 234 of hook portion 18 and
opposing restraint 230 is smaller than the diameter of hanger rod
204 so that hanger assembly 10 with opposing restraint 230 in its
nominal position cannot slide off of hanger rod 204 in absence of
deliberately applied force. FIG. 24B shows hook tip 234 and
opposing restraint 230 bending inwardly to enlarge open space 232
in response to contact by hook portion 18 as a user moves hanger
assembly 10 in direction 210 to place it on hanger rod 204.
Similarly, FIG. 24C shows distal end 234 of hook portion 18 and
opposing restraint 230 bending outwardly to enlarge open space 232
in response to contact by hook portion 18 as a user moves hanger
assembly 10 in direction 212 to remove it from hanger rod 204.
[0073] FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C correspond to the respective FIGS.
24A, 24B, and 24C and are presented to show that conventional
hanger 220 constructed with opposing restraint 230 in the manner
described above can prevent conventional hanger 220 from jumping
off of hanger rod 204 in reaction to garment removal.
[0074] It will be obvious to skilled persons that many changes may
be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without
departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The
scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined
only by the following claims.
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